American rapper Onika Maraj-Petty, popularly known as Nicki Minaj, is set to speak at a United Nations event in New York on Tuesday, where she is expected to address alleged jihadist attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
Minaj will appear alongside US Ambassador to the UN, Michael Waltz, and Alex Bruesewitz, an adviser to President Donald Trump and the convener of the event.
The development was first reported on Sunday evening by Time magazine's senior political correspondent, Eric Cortellessa, via his X handle.
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Ambassador Waltz praised Minaj, calling her "not only arguably the greatest female recording artist, but also a principled individual who refuses to remain silent in the face of injustice."
He expressed gratitude that she was using her platform to highlight what he described as "atrocities against Christians in Nigeria."
Responding, Minaj said she appreciated the opportunity and noted that she did not take the responsibility lightly. She added that she would "never stand down in the face of injustice," emphasising that her influence carried a greater purpose.
The event followed Trump's claims of an ongoing "Christian genocide" in Nigeria, with his administration designating the country a "Country of Particular Concern" and urging Congress to take immediate action. Minaj publicly commended Trump for speaking out on the issue.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Federal Government has strongly denied allegations of religiously motivated violence, maintaining that the nation's insecurity stems from criminal activities unrelated to faith.
Despite this, US officials have continued to voice concerns over the situation.
